Trust Issues with Dale Cardwell

A deck can look weathered and still have years of life left. It can also look perfectly fine on the surface while serious problems are developing underneath. With millions of American decks now decades old, knowing the difference between cosmetic wear and structural deterioration can be critical to protecting your home and the people who gather there. In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, c...

Through his company TrustDALE, Emmy award-winning consumer investigator Dale Cardwell applies nearly 30 years of investigative experience to his singular mission: to promote ethical business practices, empower consumers, and expose scammers. A new roof can be one of the biggest expenses a homeowner faces, so it's easy to understand the appeal of a product promising to squeeze a few more years out...

History's most explosive revelations often hinge on a single individual's refusal to remain silent. These truth-tellers pull back the curtain on deep-seated corruption, systemic fraud, and perilous misconduct that would otherwise stay buried in the shadows. Yet, the cost of integrity is frequently staggering. From ruined careers and tarnished names to genuine threats against their lives, those who...

Journalism has long served as one of society's most important safeguards, giving the public access to information while creating a level of accountability for governments, corporations, institutions, and other powerful interests. Today, that role is becoming increasingly fragile as local newsrooms disappear, traditional media organizations shrink, and the speed of digital information often rewards...

When your car breaks down, you're already stressed, stranded, and vulnerable. That's exactly when a bad repair decision can cost you the most. In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell takes a hard look at automotive repair scams, inflated estimates, unnecessary work, and the challenge of finding a mechanic you can actually trust. Dale and senior producer Mar...

Your carpets may look clean, your sofa may smell fresh, and your tile may sparkle, but what's hiding beneath the surface? In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell digs into the professional cleaning industry to uncover misleading marketing claims, bargain-price bait and switches, and so-called "deep cleaning" methods that may not deliver the results consumer...

Your home's siding does far more than improve curb appeal. It's one of the first lines of defense against moisture, wind, and the elements. When it's installed incorrectly or repaired by the wrong contractor, the damage can stay hidden for years until it becomes an expensive problem. In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell reveals the costly shortcuts, stor...

A crackling fireplace can make a house feel like home, but hidden behind those flames could be dangerous problems that many homeowners never see coming. In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell exposes the costly mistakes, questionable contractors, and chimney scams that can put both your home and your family at risk. Joined by senior producer Marnie Zambri...

Your home may be smarter than ever, but is your electrical panel keeping up? Every new device, appliance, EV charger, and smart home upgrade adds to the demand on your electrical system. In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell uncovers the hidden risks of outdated electrical panels and explains why yesterday's wiring may not be built for today's technology....

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell takes a closer look at the rapidly growing world of smart home technology and asks a simple question: are you buying smarter...or just buying more? From Wi-Fi upgrades and smart lighting to security cameras, voice assistants, and whole-home automation, today's connected homes offer incredible convenience. But they als...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell exposes one of the oldest scams to follow severe weather: storm-chasing roofers. When hail, wind, or tornadoes damage a neighborhood, many homeowners expect to deal with insurance adjusters. What they don't expect is a parade of contractors knocking on their doors, promising fast repairs, "free" roofs, and deals that...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell shines a light on one of the most dangerous home service scams: unqualified electrical work. From flickering lights and tripped breakers to faulty repairs that put entire homes at risk, Dale reveals how hiring the wrong electrician can have consequences far beyond your wallet. Joined by senior producer Marnie Zambri a...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell exposes the contractor scams draining homeowners' bank accounts and leaving renovation dreams in ruins. From unfinished projects and disappearing deposits to sloppy workmanship and broken promises, Dale pulls back the curtain on the costly cons hiding inside the home improvement industry. Joined by senior producer Mar...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell dives into the world of plumbing scams and exposes the costly tricks that can leave homeowners feeling completely drained. From clogged drains and leaking pipes to major sewer line repairs, plumbing emergencies often strike without warning, creating the perfect opportunity for dishonest contractors to take advantage o...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell dives into one of the hottest home renovation trends exploding across America: garage makeovers. From luxury car showcases and home gyms to offices, bars, and bonus living spaces, garages are becoming much more than a place to park the car. But beneath those glossy showroom floors and sleek finishes, some homeowners a...

Moving is supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter… but for many families, it turns into a financial nightmare. In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell exposes the shady side of the moving industry and the scams leaving consumers overcharged, stranded, and separated from everything they own. From lowball estimates that suddenly double on moving day to...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell pulls back the curtain on exterior renovation nightmares and the contractors who leave homeowners stuck with unfinished projects, bad workmanship, and mounting bills. What starts as an exciting home upgrade, like new windows, a porch renovation, or exterior improvements, can quickly spiral into a stressful battle over...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell peels back the layers on a home improvement project that seems simple… until it isn't. Painting may look easy, but behind every smooth finish is a process that requires skill, preparation, and precision. Skip those steps, and the results can be costly. From a homeowner who spent thousands on a paint job riddled with f...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell dives into one of the most expensive and high risk home improvement projects homeowners take on: building an in ground pool. What should be a backyard dream can quickly turn into a financial nightmare when the wrong contractor is hired. Dale and senior producer Marnie Zambri share the story of a couple who did their h...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell steps into one of the most popular—and potentially problematic—home upgrades: bathroom renovations. What should be a dream transformation can quickly spiral into a costly mess when poor workmanship, bad materials, or inexperienced installers get involved. With a mix of humor and hard-earned insight, Dale and senior pr...

Through his company TrustDALE, Emmy award-winning consumer investigator Dale Cardwell applies nearly 30 years of investigative experience to his singular mission: to promote ethical business practices, empower consumers, and expose scammers.   In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell dives into a nightmare that can turn any home into a battleground: bed bugs...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell takes listeners inside one of the most common and costly home improvement traps: roofing scams that strike when homeowners are at their most vulnerable. After sharing his own close call with a devastating tornado, Dale reveals what often follows the storm isn't just cleanup… it's a wave of opportunists. So-called "sto...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood promises in home improvement: the so-called lifetime warranty. What sounds like peace of mind can quickly turn into confusion, frustration, and costly disappointment when homeowners discover that "lifetime" does not always mean what they thought it did. Dale and...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell takes a hard look at one of the fastest-growing financial threats in the digital age: tax scams. What used to be a paper trail has evolved into a digital minefield, where scammers use texts, emails, and spoofed phone calls to trick taxpayers out of millions. From fake refund notifications to aggressive calls claiming...

In this episode of the Trust Issues Podcast, consumer investigator Dale Cardwell takes on the frustrating world of appliance repair, where long wait times, backordered parts, rising costs, and questionable service can leave homeowners feeling helpless. In a Fix breaks down why getting a refrigerator, washer, or other major appliance repaired has become harder than ever, and how consumers can avoid...